Foreign Ministers Meeting Luxembourg 28 May 1998

Statement by UK Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook We are dismayed by the nuclear tests which have been carried out by Pakistan. We condemn this action which runs counter to the will expressed by 149 signatories to the CTBT to cease nuclear testing, and the efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime. It accentuates our grave concern about the increased risk of nuclear and missile proliferation in South Asia, and of escalation tension in that region. It is increasingly urgent that both India and Pakistan adhere unconditionally to the non-proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and enter into negotiation on a global treaty to stop the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. We urge Pakistan, along with India and other states in the region, to refrain from further tests and the development of nuclear weapons or ballistics missiles. We urge Pakistan and India to engage in a dialogue which addresses the root causes of the tension between them, and try to build confidence, rather than seek confrontation. On behalf of the EU and the UK, the British High Commissioner in Islamabad has been instructed to convey our strong protest immediately to the Government of Pakistan. As EU Presidency, we will urgently consult our European and other international partners on these disturbing developments. I have asked the NATO Secretary General to make clear the shared concern which all Alliance partners expressed on hearing today's grave news.